Agency is committed to Emsworth flood defences

Council-run Portsmouth care home put into special measures

THE Environment Agency has committed to carrying out a vital flood defence scheme in Emsworth ‘as soon as possible’.

Following last week’s floods in which several bungalows in Selangor Avenue were swamped, officials said they were committed to getting the scheme under way.

The work will involve building two water storage ponds near the A27.

Jo Slimin, a spokeswoman for the Environment Agency, said: ‘It is estimated that the scheme will cost around £1m. Currently central government funding will not cover the full cost of the scheme.

‘We are negotiating with key partners such as Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to try and fill this funding gap to ensure that this much needed scheme goes ahead.

‘Once this funding is secured we will be in a position to submit a business case which will unlock central government funding. We will then implement the scheme as soon as possible.’